What Internet Speed Do I Need for Streaming?

You lot need anywhere from three–25 Mbps of net download speeds to sentry video streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and others.

Lower speeds like 3–xviii Mbps work for lower-quality video formats like SD (standard definition) or Hd (high definition), while 25 Mbps is the bare minimum recommended download speed for 4K or ultra-high definition (UHD). If you have more than 1 user or device, though, you'll want more than than 25 Mbps—probably closer to fifty Mbps or more.

So let's dig in and effigy out just how much internet speed you need to stream your favorite shows.

Find faster cyberspace for streaming in your expanse.

The best internet speeds for streaming

Your streaming device needs anywhere from 3–25 Mbps of defended internet speed, depending on which video quality you want.

  • SD (480p): three+ Mbps
  • Hd (720–1080p): 5–xiii+ Mbps
  • 4K (UHD, 2160p): 16–25 Mbps

Speed is measured in megabits per second, or Mbps. Information technology'due south how fast your computer downloads or uploads data.

With Mbps, information technology'southward important to know that even if your ISP lists download speeds that are fast, you may still come across buffering issues if you don't have enough bandwidth for everyone'southward devices to be on the Wi-Fi network.

To get the all-time loftier-speed internet for streaming, you'll need to account for multiple devices and users. You'll also want to consider the types of media y'all need to play. 4K TV shows and online gaming require more Mbps than browsing the web or checking e-mail.

We tend to go higher than the recommended streaming speed minimum requirements listed by websites, mostly because y'all'll need more speed to back up multiple devices and people.

Then if you work from home or accept friends over to lookout movies often, you may want to upgrade your download speed program to brand sure your Wi-Fi betoken is stiff enough for everyone and every device.

Recommended minimum speed past streaming activity1,2

Activity

Recommended speed

Streaming SD video (480p)

iii Mbps

Streaming HD video (1080p)

5 Mbps

Streaming 4K video (2160p)

25 Mbps

Streaming music

1–10 Mbps

How to improve your TV streaming experience

If your streaming session got cut brusque thanks to that annoying little buffering icon, nosotros recommend starting with our tips for speeding upwardly your internet.

Sometimes, a uncomplicated piddling play tricks like repositioning or restarting your router can do wonders for your internet connection.

But if you've tried all the tips in our guide and still accept to requite up couch space for that buffering dandy, in that location are two more things you can attempt.

Upgrade your equipment

If y'all've purchased a high-speed internet plan but still get buffering issues, you may need to upgrade your modem or router. If y'all take an older model from your internet service provider, see if they'll bandy you out. If not, consider it an investment in your internet life.

And if your internet speed seems deadening but when you lot stream movies, you should look into getting a Roku or another dedicated streaming device. That way, high-definition video streams won't take to buffer because of other apps.

Upgrade your cyberspace program

The average internet speed beyond the nation is around 100 Mbps, but some fiber cyberspace providers take built networks that can attain up to i gigabit per second (ane,000 Mbps) or more. They fifty-fifty offering symmetrical internet speeds where your upload speed matches your download speed.

Yet, 100 Mbps download speeds are enough for HD streaming for multiple devices and users.

And upload speed isn't as crucial for streaming unless you're livestreaming from Twitch, playing online games, or uploading HD videos to YouTube or Facebook. Upload speeds also help if you download and upload large files or how-do-you-do-def video through file-sharing programs.

You can cheque your electric current internet speeds using a speed test. If your speed exam results don't look as fast every bit what you demand, come across if y'all can get a bargain on upgrading your download speed. Or cheque out our recommendations for the best net service providers.

The best internet service providers for streaming

Information effective xi/11/21. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

* For the kickoff 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.

† New customers but. Charge per unit requires paperless billing and excludes taxes. Additional fees employ.

‡ w/ Auto Pay + taxes & equip. charges.

^ Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless neb discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your expanse.

° Plus taxes, fees, and other charges.

Now that yous know how much internet speed you need for streaming, check these out next.

Enter your naught lawmaking to find fast internet providers in your area.

Or cheque out our picks for the best internet providers for streaming.

Trevor Wheelwright

Written by

Trevor Wheelwright

Trevor'due south written about YMYL (your coin, your life) topics for over six years beyond editorial publications and retail/eCommerce sites. His work's been featured on Forbes, RealSimple, USA Today, MSN, BusinessInsider, Entrepreneur, PCMag, and CNN. When he's non researching and writing, you can notice him around Common salt Lake City, Utah, snapping photos of mountains and compages or seeking out some adept tunes and friendly faces.

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